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Title: SUBLETHAL EFFECTS OF BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS ON KOI CARP(CYPRINUS CARPIO)

Author
item Martin, Phyllis
item BAYA, A - MDA, COLLEGE PARK, MD
item NAVARRO, R - MDA, COLLEGE PARK, MD
item EVANS, J - OXFORD LAB, OXFORD, MD

Submitted to: American Institute of Biological Sciences
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/14/1997
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: In 1995, there was an unexplained kill of ornamental fish in Maryland after large scale spraying of Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki for the control of gypsy moths. Toxic effects of B. thuringiensis on koi carp (Cyprinus carpio) have not been previously investigated. B. thuringiensis was applied to water and food in experimental tanks as a formulated product at 1X and 10X the environmental concentration. We also applied the predominant B. thuringiensis strain in the product (Foray 48B) without formulation to the water. Lengths, weights, hematological values, and gross observations were recorded on all fish sacrificed at 1, 4, 14, 21, and 32 days. We recovered small quantities of bacteria unrelated to B. thuringiensis from various fish organs. Bacteria occurred predominantly in the intestine. B. thuringiensis was found intermittently. Some of the B. thuringiensis strains isolated were not the B. thuringiensis strain applied to the tank. Sublethal effects were observed in fish in the treated tanks independent of B. thuringiensis recovery. Both plasma protein values and the weights of fish in the B. thuringiensis treatments were significantly lower than those in the control group.